Pipeline SMS Contractor Assessment Program

Following the launch of API’s operator-focused Pipeline Safety Management System (SMS) Assessment Program in 2020, industry collaborators concluded that the contractor community would also benefit from increased industry support to help align efforts across the pipeline segment.

In 2022, API and the PSMS Industry Team published Pipeline SMS: A Contractor’s Guide to help align industry around 56 key API RP 1173 requirements that are critical for the pipeline contractor and service provider community to consider as they work to implement or improve their current safety management systems. In 2023, an Implementation Tool for contractors was published with targeted guidance for integrating a pipeline SMS into existing operations.

Following the publication of these guidance documents, API worked with the Distribution Contractors Association to produce the Pipeline SMS Contractor Assessment Program, a three-tiered structured offering (*Figure 1) to help contractors implement programs that support pipeline safety.

What makes the Pipeline SMS Contractor Assessment Program different than a typical consulting firm?

Not-for-profit
Not punitive
Encourages consistency in PSMS expectations for contractors who serve multiple operators
Diverse Assessors– former operators, contractors, and regulators
Confidential results*
Collaborative approach to evaluate and ultimately mature your Pipeline SMS

*Figure 1:

Offering 1 - Guided Gap Assessment

Contractor Prep Time: Low
Virtual Only
Personalized Learning Sessions (QA/QC on self-assessment tools) including Q&A
Verbal Report from Assessor - PPTX included

Offering 2 - Focused Assessment

Contractor Prep Time: Medium
On-site optional (Daily Rate/Travel)
Assessment Plan and Document Review of predefined PSMS pick list of elements within 56 requirement statements
Verbal report out with delivery of (1) PPTX assessment report for each selected element area(a)
Peer Support (post-assessment)

Offering 3 - Full Assessment

Contractor Prep Time: High
On-site Included
Review of company provided policies and procedures for full gap analysis of all 56 requirement statements
Field verification and analysis by assessor(s) may be added for additional cost
Maturity evaluation that aligns with the industry accepted PSMS maturity model
Benchmarking

*API does not assume any liability for how the assessment information is implemented and/or used and each company is responsible for ensuring that its own standards, practices, and procedures comply with all applicable requirements/laws and are appropriately suited for the specific operating environment.

For more information about these offerings, see our introductory slide deck here or visit www.pipelinesms.org.